desviar
“desviar” means “to divert” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to divert, to redirect
Also: to veer
📝 In Action
Tuvieron que desviar el tráfico por el accidente.
A2They had to divert traffic because of the accident.
El piloto desvió el avión hacia el sur.
B1The pilot redirected the plane toward the south.
No dejes que nada te desvíe de tus metas.
B2Don't let anything stray you from your goals.
to deflect, to sidetrack
Also: to shift
📝 In Action
El político intentó desviar la atención de los periodistas.
B2The politician tried to deflect the journalists' attention.
No intentes desviar el tema de la conversación.
B2Don't try to sidetrack the topic of the conversation.
El portero desvió el balón con la punta de los dedos.
B1The goalkeeper deflected the ball with his fingertips.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "desviar" in Spanish:
to deflect→to divert→to redirect→to shift→to sidetrack→to veer→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desviar
Question 1 of 3
If there is a car crash on the main road, what might the police do?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'deviare', which combines 'de' (away from) and 'via' (road/way). It literally means to go off the road.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'desviar' a regular verb?
Yes, it follows the regular -ar pattern, but remember that the 'i' gets an accent (í) in many present tense forms to keep the pronunciation clear.
What is the difference between 'desviar' and 'desviarse'?
'Desviar' is when you change the direction of something else (like traffic). 'Desviarse' is when you change your own direction or get off track yourself.
Can I use 'desviar' for money?
Yes! 'Desviar fondos' is the common term for misappropriating or embezzling money—literally 'diverting' funds from where they should go.